Archaeology

Archaeology

We promote and preserve Boston's many archaeological resources.

Toggle

Department Menu

The City Archaeology Program was founded in 1983 to protect Boston's irreplaceable archaeological resources. Boston is the "City of Archaeology," with hundreds of known archaeological sites within the City's borders. These archaeological sites record the Native American history of Shawmut, the name of the place we now call Boston, and tell the story of the founding of our nation.

Our City archaeologist, Joe Bagley, curates the archaeological collections at the City’s Archaeology Laboratory, acts as the review and compliance agent for below-ground cultural resources in the City, educates the public in archaeology through a number of city programs, and manages Rainsford Island, one of the City’s most important historical holdings.